Connecticut breast cancer advocates warn against veto of insurance coverage for new technology

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HARTFORD >> Worried about a possible gubernatorial veto of breast cancer prevention legislation, House Republican Leader Themis Klarides Monday put on a full court press for the bill at a news conference.

The bill would require private insurance companies to cover 3D mammography, also known as tomosynthesis. The bill, which overwhelmingly passed the House 139-3 and the Senate 36-0, is headed for Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s desk.

The legislation does not mandate 3D imaging of breasts, but if prescribed by a cancer specialist, would be covered under insurance programs, according to proponents.

Despite bipartisan support for the bill, a report from the state’s Insurance Department states the cost of mandated tomosynthesis coverage would be $9.2 million for fiscal year 2017 and $10 million for fiscal year 2018.

Klarides and other supporters of the bill dispute those figures, however, stating while the cost of purchasing new equipment would be more expensive initially, the money would be made up because the 3D tests are more accurate, meaning thousands of 2D tests that are currently being done would no longer be needed.

The 3D technology is better at preventing false positives, and would prevent repeat mammograms, said Klarides and many other medical experts at Monday’s press conference.

Klarides, several times during the press conference, referred to Malloy as a “governor who has been very supportive of women’s health issues,” during his tenure in office.

Asked directly whether she believes Malloy will veto the bill, she said that she’s heard Malloy’s “interested in vetoing,” the legislation. She added: “I don’t think he (Malloy) will let us down.”